I etched for my first time and the results where far from good , what could went wrong ,
photos are attached
First off, do not post images that big. Please resize to no more than 1024 pixels on the longest side.
Also, when the picture is taken with a potato, please resize it to no more than 320 pixels on the longest side, otherwise it's impossible to see what is on the picture.
// Per.
Zapro:
First off, do not post images that big. Please resize to no more than 1024 pixels on the longest side.Also, when the picture is taken with a potato, please resize it to no more than 320 pixels on the longest side, otherwise it's impossible to see what is on the picture.
// Per.
resizing a blur does not help.
Please post an image where the supposed imperfections are visible. The one you posted is a blurry mess - I can't see any more in the full size image than I can in the thumbnail. As far as I can tell staring at the blur, it came out fine. So you're going to need a better image.
I think the resolution in the original post was completely appropriate for this purpose - he is asking us to look at an image and comment regarding the fine details of that image, so it should be posted in the highest resolution possible. However, the image should be carefully taken and in focus, so it's razor sharp and we can see what's wrong with the board and advise.
Please also post details of your process - what you're using for resist, what you're using for etchant, what kind of PCB you're using, etc.
It looks, to me, like you've attempted to photo etch but the printed image you used was not opaque enough. Did you perhaps use an inkjet transparency?
not sure how you are doing your prints on copper board but i use the laser jet, photo paper and the etching formula found online.
if anyone interested........
i use 4/0 steel wool and very lightly shine the copper, clean off with alcohol, use hand iron on highest setting and go over every inch of print several times, drop in cold water and let paper get saturated as much as possible.
i then carefully pull paper off, crossing my toes for good luck, and then if there is still a large amount of paper left on board, i soak again for a few minutes. once most of paper is cleaned off, i use a soft bristle tooth-brush to scrub off remaining crap. verify transfer under lens and repair with fine tip sharpy, if needed.
the solution i use i 2 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part muratic acid. i have mine setup with large air stone to 'revive' after etching. my solution has been active for almost a year now. it will get low so i make a small batch and add to existing bring up levels. i also have an immersible heater to help keep warm. great for wintertime in garage.
if would like more info, let me know.
here are a couple etchings i have done.
they are not perfect but sure look good close enough to me and they work
I'm going to assume toner etching...
While as a general rule, home etching is not hard, there is a technique that should be understood... the board should be clean, slightly rough to accept toner and good even heat applied for toner adhesion.
Without much effort and following this process --> Toner Transfer Ecthing
I get these results...
My process: http://drazzy.com/e/boards/index.shtml
Boards (not all of these are glamour shots, though): http://drazzy.com/e/boards/boards.php
pwillard - those boards look great - you're getting a cleaner toner transfer than I am. What brand and variety of paper are you using? Is there a trick to getting the large areas of copper to transfer without any etchant getting through? I never end up with pinholes in the copper or anything, but I often end up with a lousy looking surface on large areas of copper (worse than on the traces, it seems).
The paper I use is staples item# 633215 Color Laser Paper Gloss Finish heavyweight. And I use an Apache laminator to fuse the toner.